The light meter isn’t working in the camera..??

In photography, the sunny 16 rule (or, less often, the “sunny f/16 rule”) is a method to estimate correct daylight exposures without using a light meter.

The basic sunny 16 rule, applicable on a sunny day, is this:

* Set aperture to f/16 and shutter speed (reciprocal seconds) to ISO film speed. Meaning, if you have 400 speed in the camera set the shutter speed as close as you can to that #. In your case shutter speed should be 1/500th of a second.

Another example, for ISO 100 film, choose shutter speed of 1/100 second (or 1/125 second).

The elaborated form of the sunny 16 rule for more general situations is:

1. Set the shutter speed to the setting nearest to the ISO film speed
2. Set the f-number according to the table below.

Aperture Lighting Conditions Shadow Detail
f/16 Sunny Distinct
f/11 Slight Overcast Soft around edges
f/8 Overcast Barely visible
f/5.6 Heavy Overcast No shadows

For example, to shoot ISO 100 film in sunny conditions, set the shutter speed to 1/100 or 1/125 and the f-stop to f/16. With ISO 200 film, set the speed to 1/200 or 1/250. For ISO 400 film, 1/400 or 1/500. As with other light readings, the shutter speed can be changed, as long as the f-number is compensated. For example, 1/250th of a second at f/11 would be equivalent to 1/125th at f/16.

Bob – Tucson

Totally depends on the amount of light you have, anything from 1/1000th of a second in bright daylight to 1/2 an hour in the middle of a field on a moonless night (allowing for reciprocity failure).

Assuming a good battery the Canon AE1 unusually had shutter priority (most SLR’s had aperture priority which is far more useful) as its auto metering system, so you set the shutter speed and the camera will select the appropriate aperture within the range available on the lens you have fitted.

Chris